Church Cleanout Project for the City of Roanoke

Junk removal isn’t just about clearing out the old to make way for the new; sometimes it’s about cleaning out a space to preserve and honor its history. This was the case with a recent project undertaken by Mean Green Junk Removal. The City of Roanoke planned to refurbish and relocate a large church from the late 1800s to Denton, Texas, where it would be preserved as a historical site. The goal was to revitalize the building while maintaining its history, but before that could happen, a major cleanout was needed.

About the Cleanout Project

The City of Roanoke was committed to refurbishing the church and moving it to Denton, so they initiated and funded a cleanout, enlisting our team to handle the delicate process of clearing out the church. However, before this could take place, the space needed to be cleared of all debris, personal belongings, and any hazardous materials that had accumulated over the years.

The Challenges & Scope

While many cleanouts can begin immediately, this particular case presented several challenges that needed to be addressed before the work could begin.

There were three primary concerns:

• Structural Damage: There were large holes in the floor and falling ceiling tiles that created safety hazards throughout the building.
• Limited Access: A large hole between the stairs and the door almost completely blocked the main entrance, severely restricting access to the interior.
• Unexpected Situations: The church had been accessed without authorization by various individuals over the years, creating the potential for unexpected and dangerous items to be left behind. Fortunately, there were no signs of drug use or needles, which could pose a health risk.

After evaluating the church’s condition and creating a plan for safely accessing the areas that required cleaning, we identified which items needed to be removed. These items included:

• Debris: Including trash, personal items, and belongings left behind by unhoused individuals and squatters.
• Ceiling Tiles: Fallen tiles, along with their brackets and braces, need to be removed to access the original ceiling that required restoration.
• Other Waste: General clutter and garbage that accumulated over time.

The Junk Removal Process

The cleanout was initially estimated to take about three days, although it became clear early on that our team would need to be efficient to meet the deadline. We had a team of five skilled professionals working on the project, using equipment such as hand-held power tools and scaffolding. Given the hazardous conditions inside the church, our team wore face masks to protect against inhaling particulate matter such as dust, debris, and mold. Safety is always a priority, so we took every precaution to ensure everyone’s health during the cleanout process.

With all the necessary equipment and safety measures in place, we began sorting through the debris in the church and organizing so we could dispose of each item properly.

• Preserve: We began by carefully removing the pews, which the City of Roanoke wanted to preserve for the refurbishment project.
• Recycle: We collected as much scrap metal as possible from the building to be recycled.
• Dispose: The ceiling tiles were stacked and organized for easier removal, while all the trash on the ground was scooped up and removed. 

The Results

Before cleaning and refurbishment, the church had fallen into disrepair. The structure was deteriorating, with ceiling tiles and abandoned furniture. There were also individuals trespassing and carelessly leaving litter and debris behind.

There was a significant transformation once the cleanout was complete. The history and architecture were preserved, but the space was now clutter-free, with fresh carpets and stripped ceilings. It looked like a space that, with a little more work, could be restored and prepared for the next chapter in its long history. 

The Impact on Roanoke & Denton

While there is still much to be done, this cleanout was a crucial step in the City of Roanoke’s efforts to refurbish the church and move it for historical preservation. It helped make the building safer and more manageable, laying the foundation for future restoration and ultimately ensuring its status as a valuable and historic site.

Randy, the City of Roanoke’s representative, worked closely with us throughout the process and proved to be an invaluable resource for our team. He was impressed by how quickly and efficiently we completed the project. His satisfaction with the results was evident, and we appreciated his recognition of our team’s hard work.

Working with Mean Green Junk Removal for Similar Projects

Reviving historic spaces takes more than just effort—it requires expertise, speed, and care. We’re proud to have contributed to the restoration of this church, and we look forward to helping with many more projects in the future.

While projects like this are challenging, they are also rewarding, and our team loves taking them on. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in restoring a piece of history and contributing to the preservation of something that will be appreciated for generations.We specialize in providing fast and effective cleanout services without compromising quality. With our speed, professionalism, and care, you can trust us to treat your space with the utmost respect while completing the job thoroughly. Contact us for more information about commercial cleanout services or to schedule a consultation.